Pink cloud syndrome is in fact a real thing and is something which should not be taken lightly. Some people may not suffer with this during their journey, but those who do experience this syndrome will understand that it is not as pleasant and fluffy as the name might suggest.
What Exactly Is “Pink Cloud Syndrome”?
Pink cloud syndrome, or also known as the honeymoon phase, is a feeling of euphoria during the early stages of your sobriety journey. This syndrome can make you feel like you are on cloud 9 and everything is starting to go in the right direction.
Whilst this may sound like a positive experience, it does come with drawbacks and implications. Many people may explain “pink cloud syndrome’ to be a state of delusional happiness and others may believe that you are in your very own fantasy.
Fortunately, not everybody will suffer with pink cloud syndrome during the start of their sobriety journey and if you are well into your journey and have not faced this then that can be great! But if you are starting to think that you are floating on a fluffy cloud, we are here to help you slowly leave that pink cloud whilst still travelling forwards.
The Symptoms Of Pink Cloud Syndrome
Like we have briefly mentioned above, pink cloud syndrome appears at the start of your journey. This may be at the very start of your recovery process or a few weeks in. No matter when it starts in your very own journey, the symptoms can be just the same and just as difficult to get away from the cloud you may be surrounded by.
Are you feeling like your adrenaline is pumping around your body? If so, then this could be the beginning of the pink cloud consuming you. Once your withdrawal symptoms have subsided, this is the prime time for the other symptoms to appear.
The biggest symptom is the one we mentioned above, the extreme adrenaline rush and the sense of euphoria. You will be ready to take on the world and believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind too.
The other symptoms which you may be faced with can include:
Struggling to focus
- Tranquil mind
- Increased confidence within yourself during sobriety
- Impulsive decisions
- Risky behaviour
It is important to remember that “pink cloud syndrome” can be dangerous during your sobriety journey and should not be taken lightly. We understand that this can be difficult, as with the whole process of overcoming an addiction, and you may not want to leave your pink cloud.
After being consumed by your addiction for a period of time and feeling perhaps low, an extreme wave of happiness, adrenaline, and positivity can be the best feeling in the world. But with everything, you must remain strong and always one step ahead of the demons which hide within addictions.

Will This Pass?
Whilst it can be a feeling of positivity after being in such a dark place for some time and finally starting to feel a sense of happiness and adrenaline, it can cause you to come crashing back down to earth once this has passed.
Notice we said, “once this has passed”? This will pass and you will be out the other side stronger and ready to take on the rest of your sobriety journey. But in order for this to pass, you must keep pushing through and keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.
Unfortunately, with many things, there is no exact start and end date when it comes to pink cloud syndrome and the timescale can be different to each individual you speak too. It is important to know that you are not alone in this and there are many people who have suffered with this and many which are currently facing the challenges today.
The Benefits And Drawbacks To Pink Clouding
Luckily there can be benefits to this syndrome and whilst we recommend that you do not ignore this syndrome, allow the positives to happen which come along with it.
A Brighter View on Life
Everyone’s story is equally important, no matter how long your addiction has had a hold of your life for. During your time going through addiction, life can seem bleak and very dark. Once you have started your recovery and pink cloud has set In, it can be a sense of relief to vision a brighter view on your life. For some, this can help them continue their journey and give them that extra boost to keep on fighting through.
Extra Boost of Energy
This journey can be tough, and challenges will be thrown your way which can become draining. But one of the symptoms of pink cloud is adrenaline and a sense of optimism. With this boost, you can get a kick start on your sobriety journey and kick your addiction up the backside!
It is important to remember not to run before you can walk. Whilst you have this sudden rush of adrenaline and energy, take each day as it comes and don’t set yourself impossible targets which may deflate you when you are unable to reach them.
Rebuild Broken Bridges
With a sense of euphoria and a new positive outlook on life, you can start to rebuild any broken bridges and take back your life. Whilst the most important person is yourself, we all need a support bubble around us to help get us through the tough times.
But remember to keep your support circle small and only allow the most important people in. Having too many people in your support bubble can increase the chances of disappointment and betrayal from flaky friends.
Increased Risk in Impulsive Behaviour
Now comes the drawbacks which come with pink cloud syndrome. Due to having a high increase of euphoria and a brighter view on life, this can increase the chances of you performing risky or impulsive behaviour.
When you start to view your life from a different perspective after not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel for so long, you are going to want to catch up with all the things you have missed out, which we understand!
But when things start to become impulsive and decisions become risky, things can take a drastic turn for the worst. This is why it is important to surround yourself with a reliable support bubble to keep you on the straight and narrow and prevent you from making any drastic decisions.
We’re not talking about making a spontaneous decision about where to eat out or what clothing item to buy, we are talking about dangerous decisions which can involve violence, sexual, or even health related decisions. All of these decisions can affect your sobriety journey and prevent you from making it to the finish line.

The dreaded relapse
Unfortunately, sobriety comes with the risk of relapse and pink clouding can increase this even more due to the comedown from the syndrome.
From being in a low and dark place throughout your addiction period to coming out the other side with a sense of high euphoria and being on cloud 9, it can be difficult to remain positive once the euphoria has fizzled out.
Things which go up must come down, however it is up to you to ensure that you remain hopeful and optimistic throughout this process and whilst you don’t have pink cloud syndrome putting you on cloud 9, you are capable of steering well away from relapse and staying on the straight and narrow.
Allow pink clouding to happen
You may think that we are crazy for suggesting this but allow pink clouding to happen and go with it. Afterall it can be nice to feel a sense of euphoria after a bad spell in life. This can help to kick start your journey through sobriety. Explore new things, try that burger from the restaurant down the street, visit the countries you have always been afraid to go too.
Pink cloud syndrome can come with many different positive experiences which should not be overlooked or ignored. As long as you always stay one step ahead and keep control of yourself, embrace pink cloud syndrome!
Remain Positive Throughout
Throughout your entire sobriety journey, you should always remember that you are not alone in this journey, and you will always have support through us here at Sober Bubble. There are also many people out there on the same road to recovery and we understand how isolating it can sometimes feel once you have come out the other side.
Remain positive throughout and accept the happy highs and the lows of sobriety but remember you are never alone!
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